PH12017000262A1

PH12017000262A1 - Switch

Info

Publication number: PH12017000262A1
Application number: PH12017000262A
Authority: PH
Inventors: Takashi Yoneda; Takatoshi Tatsumi
Original assignee: Panasonic Ip Man Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-14
Filing date: 2017-09-13
Publication date: 2018-07-23
Also published as: JP6471987B2; PH12017000262B1; CN107818878A; JP2018045869A; CN107818878B

Abstract

An object of aspects according to the present invention would be to propose a switch allowing stable contact of each contact member with both a terminal and an electrode of an indicator. The switch includes: two contact members 501 and 502 for electrically interconnecting two terminals 31 and 32 of a switch mechanism 30 and two electrodes 411 and 412 of an indicator 40, respectively; and a case 60 including a housing 70 for accommodating the switch mechanism 30 and a handle 80 movably attached to a front face 701 of the housing 70. The two contact members 501 and 502 each include a first spring part 51 attached to the case 60 and a second spring part 52 extending from the first spring part 51. The first spring part 51 is in contact with the contact surface 313 or 323 of a corresponding terminal of the two terminals 31 and 32 with elastic force acting thereon. The second spring part 52 is in contact with a corresponding electrode of the two electrodes 411 and 412 with elastic force acting thereon.

Description

accommodating the switch mechanism 30, and the handle 80 movably attached to the - front face 701 (upper face in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) of the housing 70 to cause on movement of the movable contact point 33.

The housing 70 includes, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a body 71 and the - cover 72. The body 71 and the cover 72 each are a molded product of synthetic resin oe with electrically insulating properties. =

The body 71 has a cuboidal box shape and includes an open front face. o

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the body 71 includes two first through holes 711 and & 711 and two second through holes 712 and 712. The two first through holes 711 and @ 711 serve as holes for allowing connecting electric cables to the first terminal 31. The © two second through holes 712 and 712 serve as holes for allowing connecting electric cables to the second terminal 32. The two first through holes 711 and 711 are formed around one end (left end in FIG. 1A) in a lengthwise direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1A) of a rear face of the body 71, and the two second through holes 712 and 712 are formed around the other end (right end in FIG. 1A) in the lengthwise direction of the rear face of the body 71. The two first through holes 711 and 711 are arranged in a width direction (upward and downward direction in FIG. 5A) of the body 71. And, the two second through holes 712 and 712 also are arranged in the width direction (upward and downward direction in FIG. 5A) of the body 71.

The cover 72 is attached to the front face of the body 71. Thus, a front face of the cover 72 serves as the front face 701 of the housing 70. The cover 72 has, as shown in FIG. 5B, a rectangular frame shape with an opening 721 at its center. The cover 72 further includes two axle bearings 722 and 722. The two axle bearings 722 and 722 face each other in a width direction (upward and downward direction in FIG. 5B) of the cover 72. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the two axle bearings 722 and 722 each include an axle hole 723. The two axle bearings 722 and 722 support the handle 80 inside the opening 721 of the cover 72 to allow the handle 80 to rotate around a rotation axis. The rotation axis is perpendicular to the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70.

Further, the cover 72 includes, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and FIG. 5B, three touch parts 724 (724A, 724B, 724C). Moreover, the cover 72 includes, as shown in FIG. 4, includes three clip parts 725 (725A, 725B, 725C) which are in back of the three touch parts 724 (724A, 724B, 724C) respectively. One of the touch parts 724 and i. one of the clip parts 725 corresponding to the touch part 724 are used for holding one os contact member 50. -

The three touch parts 724A, 724B, and 724C each have a rectangular plate shape - extending in the width direction of the cover 72. The two touch parts 724A and 724C = are around one end (left end in FIG. 5B) of the opening 721 in the lengthwise direction - of the cover 72, and the touch part 724B is around the other end (right end in FIG. 5B) = of the opening 721 in the lengthwise direction of the cover 72. Each touch part 724 = includes a space 7241. The space 7241 is a through hole. : =

Each of the clip parts 725A, 725B, and 725C has a rectangular plate shape extending in the width direction of the cover 72. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the clip parts 725A, 725B, and 725C are positioned in back of the touch parts 724A, 724B, and 724C to face the spaces 7241 of the touch parts 724A, 724B, and 724C, respectively.

In this regard, as shown in FIG. 5B, the touch part 724A and the touch part 724B are arranged in a two-fold rotational symmetry with regard to an axis (a central axis of the housing 70 in FIG. 5B) which is parallel to the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70 and passes the rotation axis. In contrast, the touch part 724C is positioned in line with the touch part 724B in the lengthwise direction of the cover 72.

As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B as well as FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the handle 80 has a cuboidal box shape and includes an open rear face. The handle 80 is a molded product of synthetic resin with electrically insulating properties. The handle 80 includes two axles 81 and 81, a window hole 82, and a holder 83. As shown in FIG. 5A, the two axles 81 are on opposite sides in the width direction (upward and downward direction in

FIG. 5A) of the handle 80. The two axles 81 and 81 of the handle 80 are inserted into the axle holes 723 of the two axle bearings 722 and 722 of the cover 72, and thereby the handle 80 is supported so as to be allowed to rotate around the rotation axis perpendicular to the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70. The window hole 82 is formed in one end (right end in FIG. 5A) in the lengthwise direction in a front face of the handle 80. The holder 83 serves as a part for holding the biasing spring © 35 and protrudes rearward from an inner bottom surface of the handle 80. The holder 83 has a hollow cylindrical shape and the biasing spring 35 is inserted into an inside of the _ holder 83. =

The handle 80 is coupled with the movable contact member 34 through the - biasing spring 35. Hence, when the handle 80 rotates, the movable contact member 34 © provided with the movable contact point 33 also rotates. Thus, the handle 80 is movably - (rotatably in the present embodiment) attached to the housing 70 to cause movement of = the movable contact point 33 between the first position and the second position. =

As shown in FIG. 2, the switch handle 90 includes a handle body 91, a slit 92 = formed in the handle body 91, and a prism 93 fitted into the slit 92. The handle body 91 is formed to have a size enough to cover the front face of the switch body 20.

Particularly, the handle body 91 has a size covering all of the front faces of the three switch bodies 20 which are arranged in line extending along their width directions (upward and downward direction in FIG. 2). Stated differently, the switch handle 90 is a single switch handle. The single switch handle is a handle used in a case where one switch body 20 is attached to an attachment frame configured to hold up to three switch bodies 20 arranged in line extending along their width directions. In other words, up to one single switch handle can be attached to one attachment frame. The handle body 91 is a molded product of opaque synthetic resin, for example. 1.2 ASSEMBLY ! The following is description for one example of assembly of the switch 10 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the terminal plate 310, the two lock springs 311, and the release button 312 are accommodated in one end (left end in FIG. 1A and

FIG. 1B) in the lengthwise direction of the body 71 and the terminal plate 320, the two lock springs 321, and the release button 322 are accommodated in the other end (right end in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) in the lengthwise direction of the body 71. Thereby, the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 are accommodated in the body 71.

Subsequently, the movable contact member 34 is placed on the supporting piece 320a of the second terminal 32.

As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the indicator 40 is accommodated in the handle 80. In this regard, the holder 83 of the handle 80 passes through the opening 440 of the substrate 44 and the light source 42 is exposed through the window hole 82 of the handle 80. Further, the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 point toward the = rear side of the handle 80. Furthermore, the first electrode 411 and the second electrode - 412 overlap the rotation axis (the axle 81) of the handle 80 in the forward and rearward “= direction of the handle 80. Additionally, the biasing spring 35 is attached to the holder = 83 of the handle 80. =

As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the first and second contact members 501 = and 502 are attached to the cover 72. To attach the first contact member 501 to the o cover 72, the attached part 511 of the first contact member 501 is interposed between the touch part 724A and the clip part 725A. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1A, the attached part 511 is in contact with the touch part 724A in a direction same as a contact direction of the second spring part 52 and the attached part 511 is sandwiched between the touch part 724A and the clip part 725A. Thus, detachment of the first contact member 501 from the cover 72 can be suppressed. Note that, as for the first contact member 501, the contact direction of the second spring part 52 means a direction in which the second spring part 52 is in contact with a member (the first electrode 411 in the present embodiment), that is, a direction in which elastic force acts. Additionally, the protrusion 512 intrudes into the space 7241 of the touch part 724A and therefore detachment of the first contact member 501 from the cover 72 can be more suppressed.

Similarly, to attach the second contact member 502 to the cover 72, the attached part 511 of the second contact member 502 is interposed between the touch part 724B and the clip part 725B. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1B, the attached part 511 is in contact with the touch part 724B in a direction same as a contact direction of the second spring part 52 and the attached part 511 is sandwiched between the touch part 724B and the clip part 725B. Thus, detachment of the second contact member 502 from the cover 72 can be suppressed. Note that, as for the second contact member 502, the contact direction of the second spring part 52 means a direction in which the second spring part 52 is in contact with a member (the second electrode 412 in the present embodiment), that is, a direction in which elastic force acts. Additionally, the protrusion 512 intrudes into the space 7241 of the touch part 724B and therefore detachment of the second © contact member 502 from the cover 72 can be more suppressed. -

As described above, the touch part 724A and the touch part 724B are arranged ny in a two-fold rotational symmetry with regard to an axis (the central axis of the housing = 70 in FIG. 5B) which is parallel to the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70 - and passes the rotation axis, as shown in FIG. 5B. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first = contact member 501 and the second contact member 502 also are arranged in a two-fold = rotational symmetry with regard to an axis (the central axis of the housing 70 in FIG. ~ 5B) which is parallel to the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70 and passes = the rotation axis. Hence, the first contact member 501 and the second contact member o 502 apply elastic force to the handle 80 from opposite sides. Consequently, influence on handleability of the handle 80 can be reduced as compared with a case where the first contact member 501 and the second contact member 502 are not arranged in a two-fold rotational symmetry with regard to an axis (the central axis of the housing 70 in FIG. 5B) which is parallel to the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70 and passes the rotation axis. For example, influence on handleability of the handle 80 can be reduced as compared with a case where both the first contact member 501 and the second contact member 502 are placed around one end in the lengthwise direction of the housing 70.

Next, the cover 72 is attached to the body 71 to form the housing 70. Thereby, the first spring part 51 of the first contact member 501 comes into contact with the first contact surface 313 of the first terminal 31 and the first spring part 51 of the second contact member 502 comes into contact with the second contact surface 323 of the second terminal 32.

Subsequently, the handle 80 is attached to the cover 72. Thereby, the handle 80 is supported by the two axle bearings 722 and 722 so as to be rotatable inside the opening 721. Further, the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 are located on positions which overlap the rotation axis (the axle 81) of the handle 80 in the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70. This may lead to decreases in displacements of the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 with rotation of the handle 80 as compared with a case where the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 do not overlap the rotation axis (the axle 81) of the handle 80 in the + forward and rearward direction of the housing 70. Thus, the first contact member 501 0 and the second contact member 502 can be made to be in stable contact with the first - electrode 411 and the second electrode 412, respectively. -

When the handle 80 is attached to the cover 72, the second spring part 52 of the ~ first contact member 501 comes into contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic = force acting thereon, and is pressed rearward. Similarly, the second spring part 52 of the = second contact member 502 comes into contact with the second electrode 412 with = elastic force acting thereon, and is pressed rearward. Since the second spring part 52 = extends from the first spring part 51, when the second spring part 52 is pressed rearward, - the first spring part 51 is pressed rearward, too. Accordingly, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the first contact surface 313 with elastic force acting thereon, too. Hence, the first contact member 501 is located between the first contact surface 313 and the first electrode 411 while being compressed in the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70. Consequently, a difference between a contact pressure of the first spring part 51 and a contact pressure of the second spring part 52 can be reduced as compared with a case where the second spring part 52 does not extend from the first spring part 51.

Therefore, the first contact member 501 can be made to be in stable contact with both the first terminal 31 and the first electrode 411.

Further in this situation, the second spring part 52 receives rearward force from the first electrode 411 and the first spring part 51 receives forward force from the first contact surface 313. Thus, the attached part 511 of the first spring part 51 is pressed against the touch part 724A. Thereby, it is possible to stably maintain a state where the protrusion 512 of the attached part 511 is inside the space 7241 of the touch part 724A.

Therefore, detachment of the first contact member 501 from the cover 72 can be more reduced. Similarly, the second contact member 502 is also located between the second contact surface 323 and the second electrode 412 while being compressed in the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70. Therefore, the second contact member 502 can be made to be in stable contact with both the second terminal 32 and the second electrode 412.

Note that, in some cases the first spring part 51 of the first contact member 501 may not be in contact with the first contact surface 313 due to dimensional errors or the 0 like, when the cover 72 is attached to the body 71. Notwithstanding such cases, when o the handle 80 is attached to the cover 72, the second spring part 52 of the first contact member 501 comes into contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic force acting = thereon, and is pressed rearward. As a result, the first spring part 51 is also pressed - rearward and thus it is possible to facilitate bringing the first spring part 51 into contact = with the first contact surface 313 with elastic force acting thereon. Therefore, = notwithstanding presence of dimensional errors or the like, it is possible to facilitate = bringing the first contact member 501 into contact with the first terminal 31 and the first = electrode 411. This can apply mutatis mutandis to the second contact member 502. 0

Through the aforementioned steps, the switch body 20 shown in FIG. 2 can be obtained. Finally, the switch handle 90 is attached to the front face of the switch body 20, and then the switch 10 is completed.

In the above example, the handle 80 is attached to the cover 72 after the cover 72 is attached to the body 71. In contrast, the handle 80 may be attached to the cover 72 before the cover 72 is attached to the body 71. When the handle 80 is attached to the cover 72, the second spring part 52 of the first contact member 501 comes into contact with the first electrode 411 and the second spring part 52 of the second contact member 502 comes into contact with the second electrode 412. Next, the cover 72 is attached to the body 71 to form the housing 70. Thereby, the first spring part 51 of the first contact member 501 comes into contact with the first contact surface 313 of the first terminal 31 with elastic force acting thereon, and is pressed forward. The first spring part 51 of the second contact member 502 also comes into contact with the second contact surface 323 of the second terminal 32 with elastic force acting thereon, and is pressed forward.

In this regard, as for the first contact member 501, the second spring part 52 extends from the first spring part 51. Therefore, when the first spring part 51 is pressed forward, the second spring part 52 is pressed forward, too. Thereby the second spring part 52 also is in contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic force acting thereon.

As a result, the first contact member 501 is located between the first contact surface 313 and the first electrode 411 while being compressed in the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70. Therefore, the first contact member 501 can be made to be in stable contact with both the first terminal 31 and the first electrode 411. Similarly, as 0 for the second contact member 502, the second spring part 52 extends from the first spring part 51. Therefore, the second contact member 502 is located between the second i. contact surface 323 and the second electrode 412 while being compressed in the = forward and rearward direction of the housing 70, too. Consequently, the second ” contact member 502 can be made to be in stable contact with both the second terminal = 32 and the second electrode 412. =

Note that, in some cases the second spring part 52 of the first contact member - : | 501 may not be in contact with the first electrode 411 due to dimensional errors or the = like, when the handle 80 is attached to the cover 72. Notwithstanding such cases, when = the cover 72 is attached to the body 71, the first spring part 51 of the first contact member 501 comes into contact with the first contact surface 313 with elastic force acting thereon, and is pressed forward. As a result, the second spring part 52 is also pressed forward and thus it is possible to facilitate bringing the second spring part 52 into contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic force acting thereon. Therefore, notwithstanding presence of dimensional errors or the like, it is possible to facilitate bringing the first contact member 501 into contact with the first terminal 31 and the first electrode 411. This can apply mutatis mutandis to the second contact member 502. 1.3 ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

In the aforementioned switch 10, as for the first contact member 501, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the first contact surface 313 of the first terminal 31 with elastic force acting thereon and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic force acting thereon. And, as for the second contact member 502, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the second contact surface 323 of the second terminal 32 with elastic force acting thereon and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the second electrode 412 with elastic force acting thereon. In each of the first contact member 501 and the second contact member 502, the first spring part 51 is attached to the cover 72 of the case 60 and the second spring part 52 extends from the first spring part 51. Therefore, in contrast to a case where the second spring part 52 does not extend from the first spring part 51, it is possible to reduce a difference between a contact pressure of the first spring part 51 and a contact pressure of the second spring part 52. Therefore, the first contact member 501 can be made to be in - stable contact with both the first terminal 31 and the first electrode 411. Further, the i. second contact member 502 can be made to be in stable contact with both the second - terminal 32 and the second electrode 412.

Further, in the switch 10, each of the first spring part 51 and the second spring ~ part 52 is a plate spring (for example, a plate spring made of metal). This may lead to = increases in contact areas of the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52. -

Therefore, the first contact member 501 can be allowed to be in contact with both the om first terminal 31 and the first electrode 411 more stably. Further, the second contact = member 502 can be allowed to be in contact with both the second terminal 32 and the = second electrode 412 more stably.

Further, in the switch 10, the attached part 511 of the first contact member 501 is in contact with the touch part 724A in a direction same as the contact direction of the second spring part 52 and the attached part 511 is sandwiched between the touch part 724A and the clip part 725A. Thus, detachment of the first contact member 501 from the cover 72 can be suppressed. Additionally, the protrusion 512 intrudes into the space 7241 of the touch part 724A and therefore detachment of the first contact member 501 from the cover 72 can be more suppressed.

Further, in the switch 10, the attached part 511 of the second contact member 502 is in contact with the touch part 724B in a direction same as the contact direction of the second spring part 52 and the attached part 511 is sandwiched between the touch part 724B and the clip part 725B. Thus, detachment of the second contact member 502 from the cover 72 can be suppressed. Additionally, the protrusion 512 intrudes into the space 7241 of the touch part 724B and therefore detachment of the second contact member 502 from the cover 72 can be more suppressed.

Further, in the switch 10, the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 are located on positions which overlap the rotation axis (the axle 81) of the handle 80 in the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70. This may lead to decreases in displacements of the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 with rotation of the handle 80 as compared with a case where the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 do not overlap the rotation axis (the axle 81) of the handle 80 in the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70. Thus, the first contact member 501 © and the second contact member 502 can be made to be in stable contact with the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412, respectively. y

Further, in the switch 10, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first contact member 501 and the second contact member 502 are arranged in a two-fold rotational symmetry with - regard to an axis (the central axis of the housing 70 in FIG. 5B) which is parallel to the = forward and rearward direction of the housing 70 and passes the rotation axis. Hence, = the first contact member 501 and the second contact member 502 apply elastic force to — the handle 80 from opposite sides. Consequently, influence on handleability of the = handle 80 can be reduced as compared with a case where the first contact member 501 - and the second contact member 502 are not arranged in a two-fold rotational symmetry with regard to an axis (the central axis of the housing 70 in FIG. 5B) which is parallel to the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70 and passes the rotation axis.

Further, in the switch 10, the first spring part 51 of the first contact member 501 is attached to the housing 70 (the cover 72). Additionally, in the first contact member 501, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the contact surface 313 of the first terminal 31 with elastic force acting thereon, and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic force acting thereon. Accordingly, the first spring part 51 can be suppressed from being influenced by rotation of the handle 80 compared with a case where the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52 are in contact with the first electrode 411 and the contact surface 313 respectively. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deformation of both the first spring part 51 and the second : spring part 52 due to rotation of the handle 80. Consequently, more stable contact of the first contact member 501 with both the first terminal 31 and the first electrode 411 can be achieved.

Further, in the switch 10, the first spring part 51 of the second contact member 502 is attached to the housing 70 (the cover 72). Additionally, in the second contact member 502, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the contact surface 323 of the second terminal 32 with elastic force acting thereon, and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the second electrode 412 with elastic force acting thereon. Accordingly, the first spring part 51 can be suppressed from being influenced by rotation of the handle 80 compared with a case where the first spring part 51 and the second spring - part 52 are in contact with the second electrode 412 and the contact surface 323 ; respectively. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deformation of both the first spring . part 51 and the second spring part 52 due to rotation of the handle 80. Consequently, ~ more stable contact of the second contact member 502 with both the second terminal 32 i" and the second electrode 412 can be achieved. = 2. MODIFICATIONS o

The above embodiment is one of embodiments of the present invention. The above = embodiment may be modified in various ways in accordance with design or the like as o long as it can still achieve the object according to the present invention. Some of © modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

For example, the switch 10 may include a switch body 20A as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B and FIG. 8. Note that, FIG. 7A is a section taken along line X-X in FIG. 8 and FIG. 7B is a section taken along line Y-Y in FIG. 8.

The switch body 20A includes a switch mechanism 30A, an indicator 40, two contact members 50 (a first contact member 501 and a second contact member 502), and a case 60. Note that, components with no substantial differences between the switch body 20A and the switch body 20 are designated by common reference signs to avoid redundant explanations thereof.

The switch mechanism 30A includes three terminals (first to third terminals) 31A, 32A, and 36, a movable contact point 33, a movable contact member 34, and a biasing spring 35.

The first to third terminals 31A, 32A, and 36 each are terminals to be connected to electric cables. The first to third terminals 31A, 32A, and 36 are arranged separate from each other. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 8, the first terminal 31A and the second terminal 32A are placed around one end (left end in FIG. 8) in the lengthwise direction (left and right direction in FIG. 8) of the housing 70, and the third terminal 36 is placed around the other end (right end in FIG. 8) in the lengthwise direction of the housing 70. Further, the first terminal 31A and the second terminal 32A are arranged side by side in the width direction (upward and downward direction in FIG. 8) of the housing 70.

The first terminal 31A includes a terminal plate 310A, a lock spring 311, and a release button 312. The terminal plate 310A includes a fixed contact point 310d, a i. contact piece 310e, and an interconnection piece 310f for interconnecting the fixed contact point 310d and the contact piece 310e. The contact piece 310e and the lock = spring 311 are arranged to face each other, thereby constituting a so-called quick - connection terminal. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first terminal 31A includes a = contact surface (first contact surface) 313 which is within a front face of the = interconnection piece 310f and is to be in contact with the first contact member 501. =

The second terminal 32A includes a terminal plate 320A and a lock spring 321. =

The terminal plate 320A includes a fixed contact point 320d, a contact piece 320e, and = an interconnection piece 320f for interconnecting the fixed contact point 320d and the contact piece 320e. The contact piece 320e and the lock spring 321 are arranged to face each other, thereby constituting a so-called quick connection terminal. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the second terminal 32A includes a contact surface (second contact surface) 323 which is within a front face of the interconnection piece 320f and is to be in contact with the second contact member 502.

As for the switch mechanism 30A, the release button 312 is shared by the first terminal 31A and the second terminal 32A.

The third terminal 36 includes a terminal plate 360, two lock springs 361, and a release button 362. The terminal plate 360 includes a supporting piece 360a, two connection pieces 360b and 360b, and an interconnection plate 360c for interconnecting the supporting piece 360a and the two connection pieces 360b and 360b. The supporting piece 360a supports the movable contact member 34 so as to allow rotation of the movable contact member 34. The connection piece 360b and the lock spring 361 are arranged to face each other, thereby constituting a so-called quick connection terminal. The release button 362 is a member for deforming the lock spring 361 partially to allow removal of an electric cable from the third terminal 36. The release button 362 is a molded product of synthetic resin with electrically insulating properties.

The movable contact member 34 is supported at its rear end on the supporting piece 360a of the third terminal 36 so as to be allowed to rotate.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the movable contact point 33 is provided to the movable contact member 34 so as to face the fixed contact point 310d of the first terminal 31A + and to face the fixed contact point 320d of the second terminal 32A. Accordingly, the s movable contact point 33 is movable between a first position where it is in contact with . the first terminal 31A (the fixed contact point 310d) and a second position where it is - not in contact with the first terminal 31A (the fixed contact point 310d). Additionally, ~ the movable contact point 33 is not in contact with the second terminal 32A (the fixed = contact point 320d) while being in the first position, and is in contact with the second o terminal 32A (the fixed contact point 320d) while being in the second position. i

Moreover, the movable contact point 33 is electrically connected to the third terminal = 36 through the movable contact member 34. =

As for the switch mechanism 30A, while the movable contact point 33 is in the first position, the movable contact point 33 is in contact with the fixed contact point 310d but is not in contact with the fixed contact point 320d. Therefore, an electric path between the first terminal 31A and the third terminal 36 is closed and an electric path between the second terminal 32A and the third terminal 36 is opened. While the movable contact point 33 is in the second position, the movable contact point 33 is not in contact with the fixed contact point 310d but is in contact with the fixed contact point 320d. Therefore, the electric path between the second terminal 32A and the third terminal 36 is closed and the electric path between the first terminal 31A and the third terminal 36 is opened. The switch mechanism 30A constitutes a three-way switch.

As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 8, the first contact member 501 is attached to the cover 72 by interposing the attached part 511 of the first contact member 501 between the touch part 724A and the clip part 725A. Thus, the first spring part 51 is attached to the housing 70 (the cover 72). And, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the contact surface 313 of the first terminal 31A with elastic force acting thereon and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic force acting thereon.

As shown in FIG. 7B and FIG. 8, the second contact member 502 is attached to the cover 72 by interposing the attached part 511 of the second contact member 502 between the touch part 724C and the clip part 725C. Thus, the second spring part 52 is attached to the housing 70 (the cover 72). And, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the contact surface 323 of the second terminal 32A with elastic force acting thereon and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the second electrode 412 with elastic force w acting thereon. ;

Also in the aforementioned switch 10 including the aforementioned switch body . 20A, as for the first contact member 501, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the - first contact surface 313 of the first terminal 31A with elastic force acting thereon and ~ the second spring part 52 is in contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic force = acting thereon. And, as for the second contact member 502, the first spring part 51 is in = contact with the second contact surface 323 of the second terminal 32A with elastic - force acting thereon and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the second = electrode 412 with elastic force acting thereon. In each of the first contact member 501 - and the second contact member 502, the first spring part 51 is attached to the cover 72 of the case 60 and the second spring part 52 extends from the first spring part 51.

Therefore, in contrast to a case where the second spring part 52 does not extend from the first spring part 51, it is possible to reduce a difference between a contact pressure of the first spring part 51 and a contact pressure of the second spring part 52. Therefore, the first contact member 501 can be made to be in stable contact with both the first terminal 31A and the first electrode 411. Further, the second contact member 502 can be made to be in stable contact with both the second terminal 32A and the second electrode 412.

As to the switch mechanism (30, 30A), the movable contact point 33 may be a part separate from the movable contact member 34 or may be a part of the movable contact member 34.

The switch mechanism (30, 30A) may constitute a switch (for example, a four-way switch) other than a simple on-off switch and a three-way switch. In short, it is sufficient that the switch mechanism includes two terminals (31, 32; 31A, 32A) and a movable contact point (33).

The indicator 40 may be configured so that a light source is off while a load is not supplied with power from a power supply through the switch 10 and so that the light source is on while the load is supplied with power from the power supply through the switch 10. In other words, the switch 10 may be a pilot switch which includes a pilot lamp as the light source and makes indication by turning on and off the pilot lamp.

Alternatively, the indicator 40 may be configured to change its indication state in “ accordance with an operation state of a load. For example, when the load is a lighting fixture with variable light output, the indication state of the indicator 40 may change in o accordance with a light output level of the lighting fixture. The indicator 40 may change ~ the indication state by changing a color of light emitted from the light source 42. The - two electrodes 41 may not overlap the rotation axis of the handle 80 in the forward and = rearward direction of the housing 70. For example, the two electrodes 41 may be placed =~ on one end in the lengthwise direction of the substrate 44 so as not to overlap the = rotation axis of the handle 80 in the forward and rearward direction of the housing 70. =

Note that, the electrodes 41 overlapping the rotation axis of the handle 80 in the o forward and rearward direction of the housing 70 can reduce displacements of the electrodes 41 with rotation of the handle 80. The electrode 41 may not be necessarily formed on the substrate 44, but may be formed on a metal plate or the like. The light source 42 may be a light source (for example, a neon lamp) other than a light emitting diode. The resistor 43 may be optional.

The switch 10 may include a contact member 50A as shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the contact member 50A is used as the first contact member. The contact member S0A includes a first spring part 51 and a second spring part 52 as in the contact member 50.

However, in the contact member 50A, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic force acting thereon and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the contact surface 313 of the first terminal 31 with elastic force acting thereon. Similarly, the contact member 50A may be used as the second contact member.

In this case, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the second electrode 412 with elastic force acting thereon and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the contact surface 323 of the second terminal 32 with elastic force acting thereon. In summary, one of the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52 may be in contact with a contact surface of a corresponding terminal of two terminals with elastic force acting thereon and the other may be in contact with a corresponding electrode of two electrodes with elastic force acting thereon.

Each of the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52 may not be a plate spring (for example, a plate spring of metal) but may be a coil spring, a torsion spring,

or other elastic material. However, a plate spring is preferable because it is expected to increase contact areas of the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52. on

In the above embodiment, the first spring part 51 is attached to the case 60 but is . not firmly fixed to the case 60. In summary, the first spring part 51 is attached to the ~ case 60 so as to be allowed to move to an extent relative to the case 60. Alternatively, ~ the first spring part 51 may be attached to the case 60 so as not to move relative to the er case 60. The first spring part 51 may not include the attached part 511. For example, the = first spring part 51 may be attached to the cover 72 by screwing, press fitting, or other = methods. =

The first spring part 51 of the contact member 50 may be attached to not the I. cover 72 but the body 71 or the handle 80. In summary, it is sufficient that the first spring part 51 is attached to the case 60. Note that, in a case where the first spring part 51 is attached to the handle 80, it is preferable that the first spring part 51 be in contact with a corresponding electrode 41 with elastic force acting thereon and the second spring part 52 be in contact with a corresponding terminal with elastic force acting thereon. In this case, the first spring part 51 is insusceptible to influence caused by rotation of the handle 80 in contrast to a case where the first spring part 51 is in contact with the terminal and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the electrode 41.

It is not necessary that each of the first and second contact members 501 and 502 includes the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52. Stated differently, at least one of the two contact members may include the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52.

The shape and configuration of the case 60 (the body 71, the cover 72, and the handle 80) are not limited particularly. For example, the space 7241 of the touch part 724 may not be a through hole but a recess. The shape and configuration of the case 60 (the body 71, the cover 72, and the handle 80) may be modified appropriately in accordance with parts (for example, the switch mechanism 30, the indicator 40, and the contact members 50) accommodated in the case 60, for example. The case 60 may be not a case for a rocker switch (seesaw switch) but a case for a piano switch. In summary, the handle 80 may not be necessarily attached to the housing 70 to be allowed to rotate, but may be attached to the housing 70 to be allowed to move straightly. Accordingly, it is sufficient that the handle 80 is movably attached to the front face 701 of the housing © 70 to cause movement of the movable contact point 33. -

The switch handle 90 is not limited to the single switch handle. The switch LL handle 90 may have a different shape from the single switch handle. For example, the = switch handle 90 may be a double switch handle or a triple switch handle. The double - switch handle is a handle used in a case where two switch bodies are attached to one o attachment frame described in relation to the above embodiment. In other words, up to “= two double switch handles can be attached to one attachment frame. The triple switch ~ handle is a handle used in a case where three switch bodies are attached to one © attachment frame described in relation to the above embodiment. In other words, up to three triple switch handles can be attached to one attachment frame. The switch 10 may not include the switch handle 90 necessarily. : 3. ASPECTS

As apparently derived from the aforementioned embodiment and modifications, a switch (10) of the first aspect includes a switch mechanism (30; 30A), an indicator (40), two contact members (50, 501, 502; 50A), and a case (60). The switch mechanism (30; 30A) includes two terminals (31, 32; 31A, 32A) and a movable contact point (33). The indicator (40) includes two electrodes (41, 411, 412). The two contact members (50, 501, 502; 50A) are for electrically interconnecting the two terminals (31, 32; 314A, 32A) and the two electrodes (41, 411, 412) individually. The case (60) includes a housing (70) for accommodating the switch mechanism (30; 30A) and a handle (80) movably attached to a front face (701) of the housing (70) to cause movement of the movable contact point (33). Each of the two terminals (31, 32; 31A, 32A) includes a contact surface (313, 323) pointing toward a front side of the housing (70). Each of the two electrodes (41, 411, 412) is placed to point toward a rear side of the housing (70). At least one of the two contact members (50, 501, 502; 50A) includes a first spring part (51) attached to the case (60) and a second spring part (52) extending from the first spring part (51). One of the first spring part (51) and the second spring part (52) is in contact with the contact surface (313, 323) of a corresponding terminal of the two terminals (31, 32; 31A, 32A) with elastic force acting thereon and the other of the first spring part (51) and the second spring part (52) is in contact with a corresponding electrode of the two electrodes (41, 411, 412) with elastic force acting thereon. The first - aspect allows stable contact of the contact member (50, 501, 502; 50A) with both a terminal (31, 32; 31A, 32A) and an electrode (41, 411, 412) of the indicator (40). -

A switch (10) of the second aspect would be realized in combination with the ~ first aspect. In the second aspect, each of the first spring part (51) and the second spring ~ part (52) is a plate spring. The second aspect allows more stable contact of the contact = member (50, 501, 502; 50A) with both a terminal (31, 32; 31A, 32A) and an electrode = (41, 411, 412) of the indicator (40). =

A switch (10) of the third aspect would be realized in combination with the first = or second aspect. In the third aspect, the first spring part (51) includes at a first end an = attached part (511) attached to the case (60). The second spring part (52) extends from a second end of the first spring part (51). The case (60) includes: a touch part (724) with which the attached part (511) is in contact in a direction same as a contact direction of the second spring part (52); and a clip part (725) for holding the attached part (511) between the touch part (724) and the clip part (725). According to the third aspect, detachment of the contact member (50, 501, 502; 50A) from the case (60) can be suppressed.

A switch (10) of the fourth aspect would be realized in combination with the third aspect. In the fourth aspect, the attached part (511) includes a protrusion (512) at a surface facing the touch part (724). The touch part (724) includes a space (7241) for receiving the protrusion (512). According to the fourth aspect, detachment of the contact member (50, 501, 502; 50A) from the case (60) can be more suppressed.

A switch (10) of the fifth aspect would be realized in combination with any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the fifth aspect, the handle (80) is supported on the housing (70) to be allowed to rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to a forward and rearward direction of the housing (70). The two electrodes (41, 411, 412) overlap the rotation axis in the forward and rearward direction. The fifth aspect allows stable contact of the contact member (50, 501, 502; 50A) with an electrode (41, 411, 412) of the indicator (40). : 30 A switch (10) of the sixth aspect would be realized in combination with the fifth aspect. In the sixth aspect, the two contact members (50, 501, 502; SOA) each include the first spring part (51) and the second spring part (52) and are arranged in a two-fold 0 rotational symmetry with regard to an axis parallel to the forward and rearward o direction and passing the rotation axis. According to the sixth aspect, influence on handleability of the handle (80) can be reduced. =

A switch (10) of the seventh aspect would be realized in combination with any - one of the first to sixth aspects. In the seventh aspect, the first spring part (51) is = attached to the housing (70) and is in contact with the contact surface (313, 323) of a = corresponding terminal of the two terminals (31, 32; 31A, 32A) with elastic force acting _ thereon. The second spring part (52) is in contact with a corresponding electrode of the = two electrodes (41, 411, 412) with elastic force acting thereon. The seventh aspect = allows more stable contact of each contact member (50, 501, 502; S0A) with both a terminal (31, 32; 31A, 32A) and an electrode (41, 411, 412) of the indicator (40).

Reference Signs List 10 Switch 30, 30A Switch Mechanism 31, 31A Terminal (First Terminal) 313 Contact Surface (First Contact Surface) 32, 32A Terminal (Second Terminal) 323 Contact Surface (Second Contact Surface) 33 Movable Contact Point 40 Display Unit 41 Electrode 411 First Electrode 412 Second Electrode 50, S0A Contact Member 501 First Contact Member 502 Second Contact Member 51 First Spring Part 511 Attached Part 512 Protrusion

52 Second Spring Part w 60 Case : 70 Housing wo 724 Touch Part ~ 7241 Space ~ 725 Clip Part © 80 Handle ®

DESCRIPTION ~ or

Title of Invention =

SWITCH ol =

Technical Field =

The present invention relates generally to switches and particularly to a switch = with an indicator. - hs

Background Art

In the past, there have been proposed various switches (switch devices). For example, JP 2010-27246 A discloses a switch device which includes: terminal plates to be electrically connected to electric cables; switching-elements for open and close electric paths between the terminal plates; and an indication lamp device configured to turn on and off in accordance with opening and closing of the electric paths between the terminal plates by the switching-elements. There are contact members attached to the terminal plates, and the contact members electrically interconnect the terminal plates and an indication lamp by being in elastic contact with a circuit board of the indication lamp device.

In JP 2010-27246 A, the contact members are fixed to the terminal plates. Hence, influences caused by dimensional errors and the like may cause unstable contact of the contact members with the terminal plates (terminals). Further, this may cause undesired effect on contact of the contact members with patterned conductors (electrodes) of the circuit board of the indication lamp device (indicator), and this may result in unstable contact of the contact members with the electrodes.

Summary of Invention

An object of aspects according to the present invention would be to propose a switch allowing stable contact of each contact member with both a terminal and an 1 | oo electrode of an indicator. ©

A switch of one aspect according to the present invention includes: a switch mechanism including two terminals and a movable contact point; an indicator including y two electrodes; two contact members for electrically interconnecting the two terminals = and the two electrodes individually; and a case. The case includes a housing for - accommodating the switch mechanism and a handle movably attached to a front face of = the housing to cause movement of the movable contact point. Each of the two terminals = includes a contact surface pointing toward a front side of the housing. Each of the two i. electrodes is placed to point toward a rear side of the housing. At least one of the two = contact members includes a first spring part attached to the case and a second spring ol part extending from the first spring part. One of the first spring part and the second spring part is in contact with the contact surface of a corresponding terminal of the two terminals with elastic force acting thereon and the other of the first spring part and the second spring part is in contact with a corresponding electrode of the two electrodes with elastic force acting thereon.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are sections of a switch body of a switch of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch of the above.

FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the above switch body.

FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the above switch body.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the above switch body and FIG. 5B is a front view of the above switch body with a handle being omitted.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a contact member of the above switch body.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are sections of a switch body of a switch of a modification of the above embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the switch body with the handle being omitted.

FIG. 9 is a section of a primary part of a switch of another modification of the above embodiment.

Description of Embodiments 2 1. EMBODIMENTS > 11 CONFIGURATIONS ~

The following descriptions referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 are pos made to a switch 10 of the present embodiment. The switch 10 of the present = embodiment includes a switch body 20 shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Note that, FIG. wo 1A is a section taken along line X-X in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 1B is a section taken along = line Y-Y in FIG. 5A. The switch body 20 includes a switch mechanism 30, an indicator = 40, two contact members 50 (a first contact member 501 and a second contact member + 502), and a case 60. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the switch 10 includes a switch handle 90 attached to the switch body 20 to cover a front face of the switch body 20.

As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the case 60 includes a housing 70 for accommodating the switch mechanism 30, and a handle 80 movably attached to a front face (an upper face in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) 701 of the housing 70 to cause movement of a movable contact point 33. Particularly, the handle 80 is attached to the housing 70 to be allowed to rotate within a predetermined range. For example, the predetermined range is determined so that an angle between a forward direction of the handle 80 and a forward direction of the housing 70 is an acute angle.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the switch mechanism 30 includes two terminals (first and second terminals) 31 and 32, the movable contact point 33, a movable contact member 34, and a biasing spring 35.

Each of the first and second terminals 31 and 32 is a terminal to be electrically connected to an electric cable. The first and second terminals 31 and 32 are arranged separately from each other. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the first terminal 31 is placed around one end (left end in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) in a lengthwise direction of the housing 70, and the second terminal 32 is placed around the other end (right end in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) in the lengthwise direction of the housing 70.

The first terminal 31 includes a terminal plate 310, two lock springs 311, and a release button 312. The terminal plate 310 is made of a metal plate. The terminal plate

310 includes a fixed contact point 310a, two contact pieces 310b and 310b, and an © interconnection piece 310c for interconnecting the fixed contact point 310a and the two o contact pieces 310b and 310b. The contact piece 310b and the lock spring 311 are . arranged to face each other, thereby constituting a so-called quick connection terminal. =

The first terminal 31 physically holds an electric cable between the contact piece 310b - and the lock spring 311 which face each other. The release button 312 is a member for = deforming the lock spring 311 partially to allow removal of the electric cable from the - first terminal 31. The release button 312 is a molded product of synthetic resin with = electrically insulating properties. Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, the first terminal 31 = includes a contact surface (a first contact surface) 313 which is within a front face of - the interconnection piece 310c and is to be in contact with the first contact member 501.

Thus, the first contact surface 313 is a surface pointing toward a front side of the housing 70. Note that, the front side of the housing 70 is a side of the housing 70 to which the switch handle 90 is to be attached. Additionally, a rear side of the housing 70 is a side of the housing 70 opposite from the side to which the switch handle 90 is to be attached.

The second terminal 32 includes a terminal plate 320, two lock springs 321, and a release button 322. The terminal plate 320 is made of a metal plate. The terminal plate 320 includes a supporting piece 320a, two contact pieces 320b and 320b, and an interconnection piece 320c for interconnecting the supporting piece 320a and the two contact pieces 320b and 320b. The supporting piece 320a supports the movable contact member 34 to allow rotation of the movable contact member 34. The contact piece 320b and the lock spring 321 are arranged to face each other, thereby constituting a so-called quick connection terminal. The second terminal 32 physically holds an electric cable between the contact piece 320b and the lock spring 321 which face each other. The release button 322 is a member for deforming the lock spring 321 partially to allow removal of the electric cable from the second terminal 32. The release button 322 is a molded product of synthetic resin with electrically insulating properties. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the second terminal 32 includes a contact surface (a second contact surface) 323 which is within a front face of the interconnection piece 320c and is to be in contact with the second contact member 502. Thus, the second contact surface 323 is a surface pointing toward the front side of the housing 70. ©

The movable contact member 34 is a rectangular metal plate. The movable i. contact member 34 is supported at its rear end on the supporting piece 320a of the . second terminal 32 to be allowed to rotate. =

As shown in FIG. 1A, the movable contact point 33 is provided to a surface - which is of the movable contact member 34 and faces the fixed contact point 310a of o the first terminal 31. Accordingly, the movable contact point 33 is movable between a = first position where it is in contact with the first terminal 31 (the fixed contact point = 310a) and a second position where it is not in contact with the first terminal 31 (the = fixed contact point 310a). Further, the movable contact point 33 is electrically = connected to the second terminal 32 through the movable contact member 34.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the biasing spring 35 interconnects the movable contact member 34 and the handle 80. In more detail, the biasing spring 35 is a coil spring, and includes one end coupled with a front end of the movable contact member 34 and the other end held by the handle 80.

In the switch mechanism 30, while the movable contact point 33 is in the first position, the movable contact point 33 is in contact with the fixed contact point 310a and thus the electrical path between the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 is kept closed. While the movable contact point 33 is in the second position, the movable contact point 33 is not in contact with the fixed contact point 310a and thus the electrical path between the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 is kept opened.

The switch mechanism 30 constitutes a simple on-off switch.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the indicator 40 includes two electrodes 41 (a first electrode 411 and a second electrode 412), a light source 42, a resistor 43, and a substrate 44. The first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 as well as the light source 42 and the resistor 43 are mounted on the substrate 44. The substrate 44 includes an opening 440 at its center. As shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 are formed on a rear face of the substrate 44. The first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 are positioned on opposite ends in a width direction of a central part in a lengthwise direction of the substrate 44. The light source 42 and the resistor 43 are mounted on a front face of the substrate 44. The light source 42 and the resistor 43 are positioned on one side in the lengthwise direction of the substrate 44. =

The substrate 44 includes a patterned conductor, and this patterned conductor connects the light source 42 and the resistor 43 in series between the first electrode 411 and the y second electrode 412. The light source 42 changes its lighting state (between an on-state ~ and an off-state) depending on a voltage applied between the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412. The light source 42 is a light emitting diode, for example. =

As described above, the indicator 40 is configured to change an indication state = (the lighting state of the light source 42) in accordance with a voltage between the first iT electrode 411 and the second electrode 412. In the present embodiment, the indicator 40 c may be configured to allow the light source 42 to turn off when a load is supplied with power from a power supply through the switch 10, and to allow the light source 42 to turn on when a load is not supplied with power from the power supply through the switch 10. When the load is a lighting fixture, the light source 42 is on even if the load is off. Therefore, the indicator 40 functions as an indication lamp, and it enables confirmation of a location of the switch 10 even in a dark place.

The two contact members 50 (the first contact member 501 and the second contact member 502) electrically interconnect the two terminals (the first and second terminals) 31 and 32 and the two electrodes 41 (the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412), respectively. The first contact member 501 and the second contact member 502 have the same shape, and each include, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and FIG. 6, a first spring part 51 attached to the case 60, and a second spring part 52 extending from the first spring part 51.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in the first contact member 501, the first spring part 51 is attached to the housing 70 (a cover 72). Additionally, the first spring part 51 is in contact with the contact surface 313 of the first terminal 31 with elastic force acting thereon, and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the first electrode 411 with elastic force acting thereon. Accordingly, the first spring part 51 can be suppressed from being influenced by rotation of the handle 80 compared with a case where the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52 are in contact with the first electrode 411 and the contact surface 313 respectively. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deformation of both the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52 due to rotation

A of the handle 80. Consequently, more stable contact of the first contact member 501 © with both the first terminal 31 and the first electrode 411 can be achieved. o

As shown in FIG. 1B, in the second contact member 502, the first spring part 51 wo is attached to the housing 70 (the cover 72). Additionally, the first spring part 51 is in = contact with the contact surface 323 of the second terminal 32 with elastic force acting - thereon, and the second spring part 52 is in contact with the second electrode 412 with > elastic force acting thereon. Accordingly, the first spring part 51 can be suppressed = from being influenced by rotation of the handle 80 compared with a case where the first = spring part 51 and the second spring part 52 are in contact with the second electrode = 412 and the contact surface 323 respectively. Therefore, it is possible to suppress =o deformation of both the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52 due to rotation of the handle 80. Consequently, more stable contact of the second contact member 502 with both the second terminal 32 and the second electrode 412 can be achieved.

Each of the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52 is a plate spring (for example, a plate spring made of metal). This may lead to increases in contact areas of the first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52. Therefore, the first contact member 501 can be allowed to be in contact with both the first terminal 31 and the first electrode 411 more stably. Further, the second contact member 502 can be allowed to be in contact with both the second terminal 32 and the second electrode 412 more stably.

The first spring part 51 and the second spring part 52 are formed as a single part.

The first spring part 51 includes, as shown in FIG. 6, an attached part 511 and an extending part 513. The attached part 511 has a rectangular plate shape. The attached part 511 includes a protrusion 512 extending forward of the housing 70. The extending part 513 extends from the attached part 511 diagonally rearward of the housing 70. The extending part 513 has a shape bent such that its top end extends diagonally forward of the housing 70. The second spring part 52 extends from the top end of the extending part 513 diagonally forward. The second spring part 52 has a shape curved such that its top end extends diagonally rearward. In summary, the first spring part 51 has at its first end the attached part 511 to be attached to the case 60 and the second spring part 52 extends from a second end of the first spring part 51.

The case 60 includes, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the housing 70 for

Claims

mT CLAIMS LILES putas .

1. A switch comprising: = a switch mechanism including two terminals and a movable contact point; - an indicator including two electrodes; A two contact members for electrically interconnecting the two terminals and the = two electrodes individually; and ~ a case including a housing for accommodating the switch mechanism and a @ handle movably attached to a front face of the housing to cause movement of the o movable contact point, wherein: each of the two terminals includes a contact surface pointing toward a front side of the housing; each of the two electrodes is placed to point toward a rear side of the housing; at least one of the two contact members includes a first spring part attached to the case and a second spring part extending from the first spring part; and one of the first spring part and the second spring part is in contact with the contact surface of a corresponding terminal of the two terminals with elastic force acting thereon and the other is in contact with a corresponding electrode of the two electrodes with elastic force acting thereon.

2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein each of the first spring part and the second spring part is a plate spring.

3. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the first spring part includes at a first end an attached part attached to the case; the second spring part extends from a second end of the first spring part; and the case includes a touch part with which the attached part is in contact in a direction same as a contact direction of the second spring part, and a clip part for holding the attached part between the touch part and the clip part. 28 AMENDED CLAIMS

—— i, —————————

4. The switch according to claim 3, wherein: - the attached part includes a protrusion at a surface facing the touch part; and = the touch part includes a space for receiving the protrusion. v

5. The switch according to claims 1 or 2, wherein: o the handle is supported on the housing to be allowed to rotate around a rotation ~ axis perpendicular to a forward and rearward direction of the housing; © the two electrodes overlap the rotation axis in the forward and rearward o direction.

6. The switch according to claim 5, wherein the two contact members each include the first spring part and the second spring part and are arranged in a two-fold rotational symmetry with regard to an axis parallel to the forward and rearward direction and passing the rotation axis.

7. The switch according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the first spring part is attached to the housing and is in contact with the contact surface of a corresponding terminal of the two terminals with elastic force acting thereon and the second spring part is in contact with a corresponding electrode of the two electrodes with elastic force acting thereon. 29 AMENDED CLAIMS